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The scenery is bound to start looking familiar to Sean Tolkin, who plans to run the track on the Norwegian Breakaway 210 times to become the first American to run a marathon on a cruise ship.

Tolkin will undertake the 26.2-mile challenge to benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation. The organization, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, is the signature charity of World Travel Holdings, which will be hosting an annual meeting aboard the ship during the marathon run.

According to the charity, cruise vacations are one of the most popular travel wishes requested, and last year the organization sent more than 1,000 children on sea vacations.

The run is scheduled to take place Oct. 5, while the ship is at sea. The event, called "The Run Like a Champion, Cruise Like a Norwegian Marathon at Sea" will conclude a week of Make-A-Wish fundraising activities by the company, which expects to have 800 associates and their families on the cruise. Other fundraising efforts include prize drawings and silent auctions.

Tolkin is the business development director for the travel company, and son of Brad Tolkin, co-chairman and CEO of World Travel Holdings. A trained marathon runner and resident of New York City, he expects to complete the marathon in less than five hours. His goal is to raise $26,200 — $1,000 per mile. To make a donation to Make-A-Wish, please visit wish.org.

A 2011 study of medical professionals, volunteers and Make-A-Wish alumni has found that granting wishes helped improve children's health, the charity said. It found that children feel physically better after their wish experience, and are more willing to cooperate with treatment and that their overall quality of life improves.

Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, the 4.028-passenger Norwegian Breakaway, set sail with passengers for the first time on April 26, 2013. What's the vessel like? USA TODAY's Gene Sloan offers a photo tour. Norwegian Cruise Line

Built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, the 146,600-ton Norwegian Breakway is the largest cruise ship ever built in the country. At 1,062 feet, it's longer than three football fields, and it has 18 decks. Norwegian Cruise Line

Located at the back of the ship, Spice H20 is an adult-only lounge area by day and an outdoor dance club by night. It boasts two hot tubs, a waterfall, full-service bar and a giant video screen. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

More than 50 electronic screens around the ship allow passengers to make bookings for restaurants and shows -- a first in the industry. The screens also offer general information about venues around the ship as well as easy-to-follow directions. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

O'Sheehan's, a pub-like sports bar and grill that first debuted on Norwegian Epic in 2010, is back in a similar form on Norwegian Breakaway. It serves fish and chips, burgers and other classic pub food. Amusements include miniature bowling, pool and air hockey tables, and interactive arcade games. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Like Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway also houses a circus tent-like space for a circus-style dinner show. Called the Spiegel Tent, the venue is home to 'Cirque Dreams: Jungle Fantasy,' a traveling circus show that has played in more than 200 cities. The show costs $29.99 for general seating and $39.99 for premium seating. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Le Bistro, Norwegian's signature French restaurant, is back on Norwegian Breakaway with indoor seating as well as "Atrium Al Fresco" seating outside the restaurant at the base of the ship's central atrium. It costs $20 per person. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

The most luxurious of the 2,014 cabins on Norwegian Breakaway are the 42 suites found inside The Haven, a private enclave at the top of the ship. Here, the living area of an Owner's Suite. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Bedrooms in the two Deluxe Owner's Suites feature king-size beds that face floor-to-ceiling windows and an extra-spacious wraparound private balcony. Each of the Deluxe Owner's Suites can be joined with an Owner's Suite to create a grand suite that sleeps up to eight people. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Another high-end option on the Norwegian Breakaway are its 20 Haven Family Villas, which have two bedrooms and two bathrooms. They measure 559 square feet and sleep up to six people. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

The twelve Haven Penthouses measure 505 square feet and have a bedroom with king-size bed and a separate living room. The cabin category is different than the Haven Courtyard Penthouse. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

The biggest difference between a Mini Suite and a Balcony Stateroom is that Mini Suites have bigger and more elaborate bathrooms. Mini Suite bathrooms have a large double sink with two faucets set against a mosaic glass-tile backsplash, additional storage space under the sink and a larger shower than Balcony Staterooms. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

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This item was written by Larry Bleiberg, former travel editor of The Dallas Morning News and Coastal Living magazine. Bleiberg is serving as Guest Editor of The Cruise Log while USA TODAY Cruise Editor Gene Sloan is away.